Lexus debuts 2017 LS luxury saloon at Detroit Motor Show

In addition, it is a flagship sedan line started at the 1989 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In the LS, however, the wheelbase has been extended from 2870mm to 3125mm. The 2017 LS is 5,235mm long, 1,900mm wide, 1,450mm tall, and has a 3,125mm long wheelbase.

Luxury automaker Lexus has revealed its fifth-generation LS flagship sedan, which was created to embody Japanese culture and the new generation of the automotive industry.

Inside, there’s a large 12.3in touchscreen infotainment display, and drivers can specify an additional head-up display which puts the most relevant information directly into their field of vision.

Power is channeled to a 10-speed torque converter automatic, which then sends drive to either the rear wheels or all four wheels in the launch variant, the LS 500. Thus, the vehicle can go from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds.

Engineers were explicitly asked to take the LS in a sportier, more dynamic direction. Handling can be further enhanced by active stabiliser bars and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with independent front and rear steering. In the company’s efforts to reconcile two conflicting goals, sufficient headroom with a low roofline, the new LS employs an outer-slide-type moonroof instead of the conventional, internally retracting item.

The new platform lowers the car’s centre of gravity by placing most of its weight in a more centralized part of the vehicle, including the engine. The Lexus 2018 LS is one of the first to use this new method.

Lavishly appointed 28-way power front seats with a massage function are an option, and a rear-seat luxury package offers heating, cooling, and massage for passengers there.

The company claims the new V6 delivers the same refinement as the old V8, (thanks in part to an active noise-cancelling system) while retaining just enough of a sporty exhaust note to keep keen drivers happy.

The LS will offer the usual safety features, and offer the world’s first system with intuitive pedestrian detection-meaning the vehicle will automatically brake and potentially steer around a wayward person while staying within a lane.

Sales will begin towards the end of 2017, says Autocar, although orders may open earlier in the year.

The new design sits on top of a new platform, too.

The current-generation LS is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 that generates 386 hp. But this is the biggest change.

It doesn’t look much like an LS… No more. The new styling features perhaps the most extravagant spindle grill design yet on a Lexus. Many manufacturers stick to seven, eight or even nine speeds, but the new LS adds another forward ratio on the principle that more is better.

Precise handling and steering response are achieved with the use of all-new architecture.

“Not only will the LS symbolize the Lexus brand, it will become the definitive new-generation luxury auto embodying Japanese tradition and culture”, said Toshio Asahi, chief engineer for the new LS. “Working them through and into the line-up will be sufficient”, said Schlicht. And now. we believe the vehicle you’re about to see. sets the next high watermark for experiential luxury today. “Once the coupés have done their job, we need to further refine the SUV range”.